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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: Broadback on Feb 01, 2008, 17:25:41

Title: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Broadback on Feb 01, 2008, 17:25:41
Could someone point me to where I can get absolute basic help on this please?  I've just come back from a shopping spree (my wife's, not mine, just dragged kicking and screaming.  :whip:), visited a large Waterstones and W H Smith no books at all on the subject.  I bought a Linux Format magazine, but it is too advanced for me.
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Rik on Feb 01, 2008, 17:28:29
If no-one responds, keep an eye out for Danni - she's a long-time user.
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Broadback on Feb 01, 2008, 17:36:26
Thanks Rik, it is not direct help I expect here, just a pointer to some absolute beginners books or web sites. All I seem to be able to do is run Firefox and Evolution mail . I tried to get Java for Firefox, it downloaded ok, but no way can I get it to run!  :(
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: somanyholes on Feb 01, 2008, 19:04:28
to get you started

https://help.ubuntu.com/
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/
http://www.linuxquestions.org/
http://www.tuxfiles.org/linuxhelp/

my main advice is read and read a lot.

Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: somanyholes on Feb 01, 2008, 19:06:36
this might help

https://jdk-distros.dev.java.net/ubuntu.html
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: cavillas on Feb 01, 2008, 19:14:56
I beleive that there is a Ubuntu for Dummies book available online at Amazon.  In fact there are anumber of books for Ubuntu Linux on their site at very reasonable prices and for all levels.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_/026-7568875-2930868?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ubuntu+for+dummies&Go.x=9&Go.y=15
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: somanyholes on Feb 01, 2008, 19:22:19
yet more linkage, its a linux/ubuntu cheat sheet, very handy.

http://people.debian.org/~debacle/refcard/refcard-en-a4.pdf
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: MoHux on Feb 01, 2008, 22:56:50
 :think:........ and when you've memorised that lot, we'll make you the forum Linux expert!!  :phew:
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Ted on Feb 01, 2008, 23:09:06
Quote from: Broadback on Feb 01, 2008, 17:36:26
Thanks Rik, it is not direct help I expect here, just a pointer to some absolute beginners books or web sites. All I seem to be able to do is run Firefox and Evolution mail . I tried to get Java for Firefox, it downloaded ok, but no way can I get it to run!  :(
Did you download the .bin file or the .rpm file? Makes a big difference in how to install them
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Broadback on Feb 02, 2008, 11:32:43
Sad to say this morning I thought I would try to install Java as per Somanyholes tip, unfortunately  I now find that since putting the later version on it is not working correctly, amongst other problems there is not internet connection.  Hey ho, back to the drawing board I guess.  where best to install it anew from please?
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Broadback on Feb 02, 2008, 11:58:09
Supplementary question.  As I think I will have to do a complete reload how do I cleanly get rid of the current one please?
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Ted on Feb 02, 2008, 16:58:01
With a normal install of Linux, 3 partitions are created, /"root", swap, and /home. When you reinstall, it should ask where to  install itself. Choose the partitions that have already been created and it will format and install there, thus you have a clean install. /root will be something like HDA1
/home contains all your user files so as long as you don't format that one (back up just in case) you retain all your pics, music etc.
I've never installed/reinstalled Ubuntu but i can't see why it would be different to any other regular distribution.
If you download and install Kbuntu you will have KDE (K Desktop Environment ) A lot of people prefer it to Gnome, me included ;D
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: madasahatter on Feb 03, 2008, 03:08:43
Quote from: Broadback on Feb 02, 2008, 11:32:43
Sad to say this morning I thought I would try to install Java as per Somanyholes tip, unfortunately  I now find that since putting the later version on it is not working correctly, amongst other problems there is not internet connection.  Hey ho, back to the drawing board I guess.  where best to install it anew from please?

somanyholes may not be with us for a few days :( - he's moved and it depends how quick he gets the broadband in his new place sorted.
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Broadback on Feb 03, 2008, 12:05:20
Pleased to say that  am now back up and running, after installing the original version, then its many updates. Thank you all for your help and tips, it will take me a loooong time to assimilate it all.  :thnks:
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Rik on Feb 03, 2008, 12:08:44
Congratulations, that has to be worth a karma. :)
Title: Re: Ubuntu/Linix help please
Post by: Broadback on Feb 03, 2008, 12:51:56
Why thanks you kind sir. :bow: